In 'Escaping the Build Trap', Melissa Perri addresses the common issue where organizations become trapped in a cycle of constantly building features without focusing on the value these features bring to customers. She argues that success should be measured by outcomes rather than outputs. The book provides practical frameworks, real-world examples, and strategies for transitioning from a 'feature factory' mindset to one that emphasizes continuous discovery, customer needs, and strategic product management. Perri emphasizes the importance of defining a clear product vision, empowering product teams with autonomy, and aligning organizational dynamics to deliver real value. The book is essential for product managers, leaders, and anyone involved in product development who want to create meaningful products and drive business impact.
Marty Cagan's "Transformed" explores the evolution of product management and the shift towards a more customer-centric approach. The book emphasizes the importance of building products that truly meet customer needs and solve real problems. Cagan discusses the challenges of scaling product organizations and the need for strong product leadership. He provides practical advice on how to build high-performing product teams and create a culture of innovation. The book is a valuable resource for both aspiring and experienced product managers.
First published in 1980, *Transitions* is a seminal work that explores the underlying and universal pattern of transition. The book takes readers step-by-step through the three perilous stages of any transition, explaining how each stage can be understood and embraced. It offers a simple yet profoundly insightful roadmap to navigate change and move into a hopeful future. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding endings, navigating the neutral zone, and embracing new beginnings to cope effectively with life's changes.
In 'Leading Change,' John P. Kotter presents an eight-stage model for effectively leading change in organizations. The stages include establishing a sense of urgency, creating a guiding coalition, developing a vision and strategy, communicating the change vision, empowering broad-based action, generating short-term wins, consolidating gains and producing more change, and anchoring new approaches in the culture. Kotter emphasizes the importance of clear communication, leadership over management, and addressing common pitfalls that hinder successful change initiatives. The book is filled with real-world examples and practical advice based on Kotter's extensive experience with numerous companies.
Managing Transitions provides a framework for leaders to manage change effectively by focusing on the psychological process individuals experience during transitions. The book outlines strategies to support employees through the stages of transition: endings, the neutral zone, and new beginnings. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, clear communication, and defining roles in successful transitions.
Martina Hodges-Schell is a transformation coach and consultant that helps organizations adopt a Silicon Valley approach to innovation. She spent 25 years leading design and innovation in tech companies, and now she loves providing a fresh, outside perspective to help teams develop and mature their product practice.
In this conversation, we…
* define transformation and what it means for your company operating model
* explore how a company operating model might be shifted by adapting AI technology
* Discuss how embodied leadership practices like equine coaching can give leaders the most honest feedback
Enjoy!
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Topics discussed
(05:31) A horse's feedback reflects your behavior and communication
(06:51) Feedback on your actions and decision making
(10:48) Leaders MUST be involved in change process
(13:57) Control is equated with power, active involvement important
(18:58) Change is difficult, people resist it
(19:45) Balancing ideas within organizations, encouraging participation
(25:37) Four lenses for an operating model
(29:18) How AI transforms operating model: structure and collaboration challenges
(31:36) Organizational structure should promote collaboration and communication
(37:17) Optimistic about innovation, promoting change and collaboration
(39:55) Focus on broad possibilities, capabilities, and brand
(43:16) Closing the loop from teams to leadership
(50:20) Guiding questions in life
(52:49) Book recommendations
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Links & resources mentioned
Find the full transcript at: https://podcast.makethingsthatmatter.com/martina-hodges-schell-operating-model/#transcript
* Send episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via email
* Martina Hodges-Schell: website, LinkedIn
* Book: Communicating the UX Vision: 13 Anti-patterns That Block Good Design
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Related episodes:
* #72 Pam Fox Rollin: Growing Groups Into Teams
* #75 Chris Smith: Simple guidelines for AI investment sizing
* #74 Chris Smith: How to think about adding AI to your product
* #77 Marty Cagan: Moving to the product model
* #39 Melissa Perri: Product strategy and the missing middle in organizations
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People & orgs:
* Noelle Saldana
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Books:
* The Build Trap
* Growing Groups Into Teams
* TRANSFORMED
* Managing Transitions
* Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes
* Leading Change
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Other resources:
* Martina’s OMG (operating model goals) canvas
* North Shore - AI transformation blog series
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